Jul 30, 2026 – 12.00pmThe company assessing whether Australia should build its first oil refinery in six decades has dismissed criticism that the Albanese government’s $4 million study is political window dressing, insisting it is critical to secure sovereign fuel capability as a shield against future shocks.The brittle nature of fuel supplies has been exposed by the Middle East conflict between the United States and Iran, which has wreaked havoc with shipping and put a spotlight on limited stocks and precarious supply chains.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles